Pope Leo XIV Urges End to Middle East War Following US Strike on Iran

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Pope Leo XIV urges peace in the Middle East and warns of the risk of an escalating conflict following the United States' attacks on three Iranian nuclear facilities and Tehran's missile strikes on Israeli cities.

"We must stop the tragedy of war before it becomes an irreparable abyss," said the highest leader of the world's Catholics on Sunday, as quoted by Anadolu.

He also warned that civilian suffering, especially in Gaza and other conflict zones, risks being forgotten amidst the conflict escalation.

"Today more than ever, humanity cries out and pleads for peace," he said.

He urged for this plea to be responded to with responsibility and common sense, rather than "drowned out by the roar of weapons and rhetoric inciting conflict."

The Pope cautioned that ongoing violence could lead to a point of no return.

"There are no distant wars when human dignity is at stake," he said.

"War does not solve problems; it amplifies them and inflicts deep wounds in the history of peoples – wounds that take generations to heal," he added.

Leo XIV emphasized that no military victory can overcome the pain of grieving mothers, the fear experienced by children, and the stolen futures of young people.

"Let diplomacy silence the weapons. Let nations map their futures through peaceful actions, not violence and bloodshed," he stated.

In closing his appeal, he urged the international community to address this crisis decisively.

"Everyone is called to respond – especially those with responsibilities – to prevent humanity from walking a path with no return," he said.

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated further after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that his forces had carried out airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan on Saturday night.

Following Trump's declaration, Iran requested an emergency UN Security Council meeting to condemn the U.S. attacks and hold accountable those deemed in violation of international law.

The latest conflict in the region erupted on June 13 when Israel conducted airstrikes on several locations in Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, prompting Tehran to retaliate.

Israeli authorities stated at least 25 casualties and hundreds more wounded as a result of Iran's missile attacks since then.

Meanwhile, Iran's Health Ministry reported 430 deaths and over 3,500 injuries from Israel's strikes.

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